Festive Ideas for Your Christmas Meal, From Cocktails to Entrees

Honey-and-Balsamic–Glazed Ham
Gingerbread Bundt Cake
Salmon Rillette
Honey Glazed Salmon
Aperol Spritz Granita
Steak Au Poivre
18) Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Cranberry Curd Tart
Beef Bourguignon Meatloaf
Crispy Skillet Carrot Latkes
Apple-Cranberry Pie
Pumpkin Spice White Russian
Tri-Tip Steak with Salsa Verde
Marinated Feta
Marinated Beets
Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti
Roasted Tomatoes
Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib
Glazed Green Beans
Easy Vegetarian Lasagna With Spinach and Broccoli
Beef Wellington
Creamy One-Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable Torte
Mint Chocolate Cookie Dough
Mary Pickford
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin With Horseradish Cream Sauce
Vanilla-Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Mashed Parsnips
Apple Cider Sangria
Snowy S ‘mores
Brie & Apple Tart
One-Pot French Onion Soup
Grilled Vegetable Lasagna With Ricotta-Tomato Sauce
Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies
Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish
Blood Orange Spritz
Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta
Pecan Cupcakes With Spiced Vanilla Frosting
Coq au Vin Rosé
Vegan Chocolate Truffles
Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew
Spiked Hot Chocolate
One-Pan Roast Turkey Breast and Root Veggies
Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear and Onion
Vegan Apple Cake
Everything Cheese Balls
Spice Roasted Carrots
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting
Jammy Brie Cups
Gingery Shrimp Toasts
Chocolate Gingerbread Cake With White Chocolate Buttercream
Creamed Kale and Gruyère Gratin
Cherry Bomb Fizz
Jam Sandwich Cookies
Cauliflower Soup
Wild Mushroom Toasts
Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars
Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch
Thyme-Roasted Turkey and Gravy
Goat Cheese Log With Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper
Mini Apple Pies
Herb Crusted Beef With Dijon Cream Sauce
Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart
Roasted Olives With Lemon, Garlic and Herbs
Romaine Salad With Lemon Pecorino Vinaigrette
Winter Squash Lasagna With Brown Butter Béchamel
Rustic Sour Cream and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Brown-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Gingerbread Cake
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake
Buttery Rosemary Rolls
Spinach & Gruyère Potato Casserole
Chai Tree and Snowflake Cookies

With Christmas fast approaching, you might be thinking about what you’ll make for Christmas dinner. From holiday appetizers to festive side dishes to the show-stopping main, there’s a lot to consider. And that’s before you even get to the Christmas desserts, like holiday cupcakes, pies, and of course, Christmas cookies. Whether you’re cooking for two people or a few dozen, we’ve got plenty of easy Christmas dinner ideas that are sure to have everyone asking for seconds.

Many of these Christmas dinner menu items include vegan recipes and vegetarian Christmas options, or can be easily modified to suit several diets. We’ve also thrown in some classic Christmas dishes that include traditional holiday foods, along with some unique and delicious dinner ideas to round out the menu. We even have healthier Christmas dishes like roasted veggies and Honey Glazed Salmon. Plus, some of these tasty dishes can be made ahead of time, so you can relax and enjoy being with your family and friends.

So whip up a Christmas cocktail for yourself and start perusing these Christmas dinner ideas. Bookmark your favorites now so that you’re ready for the big day.

Honey-and-Balsamic–Glazed Ham

This sweet-and-salty ham brings together black peppercorns, honey, mustard and balsamic vinegar for an irresistible main dish everyone will enjoy.

Get the Honey-and-Balsamic–Glazed Ham recipe.

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

There’s only one word for this Christmas dessert: showstopping. It’s made with plenty of spices for that classic gingerbread flavor and then topped with a sour cream glaze and eye-catching pomegranate seeds.

Get the Gingerbread Bundt Cake recipe.

Salmon Rillette

Your dinner guests will love feasting on this Christmas appetizer made with a mix of smoked salmon and salmon poached with white wine and shallot.

Get the Salmon Rillette recipe.

Coquito

Love eggnog? Then you’ll also love this creamy Puerto Rican drink made with three kinds of milk, warming spices, and a little bit of rum.

Get the Coquito recipe.

Honey Glazed Salmon

Who needs a centerpiece when you have this gorgeous, bright salmon on the table? Good news: it tastes as good as it looks.

Get the Honey Glazed Salmon recipe.

Aperol Spritz Granita

You’ve never had an Aperol Spritz quite like this. Big flakes of citrusy ice are topped with sparkling wine and a sprig of rosemary for an elegant and festive cocktail.

Get the Aperol Spritz Granita recipe.

Popovers

Who needs store-bought rolls when you can make these airy, delicious popovers?

Get the Good Housekeeping’s Famous Popovers recipe.

Steak Au Poivre

For a hearty Christmas dinner, try this steak crusted with peppercorns, pan-fried and served with a creamy sauce.

Get the Steak Au Poivre recipe.

18) Chicken Pot Pie Soup

If you’re looking to keep things simple this Christmas, try this cozy chicken soup topped with puff pastry rounds.

Get the Chicken Pot Pie Soup recipe.

Cranberry Curd Tart

This gorgeous tart made with cranberries and a flaky pie crust is almost too pretty to eat (emphasis on the almost).

Get the Cranberry Curd Tart recipe.

Beef Bourguignon Meatloaf

This isn’t just any old meatloaf. It’s topped with a mushroom and rich, creamy sauce to take things to the next level.

Get the Beef Bourguignon Meatloaf recipe.

Crispy Skillet Carrot Latkes

These veggie-packed latkes are made and served in mini cast-iron skillets. Everyone will be impressed when these come to the table.

Get the Crispy Skillet Carrot Latkes recipe.

Apple-Cranberry Pie

Give your regular apple pie an upgrade with some cranberries and a creative crust that’s easy to pull off.

Get the Apple-Cranberry Pie recipe.

Pumpkin Spice White Russian

You don’t have to put the pumpkin pie spice away just because fall is over! Put it to use in this creamy seasonal cocktail the whole crew is sure to love.

Get the Pumpkin Spice White Russian recipe.

Tri-Tip Steak with Salsa Verde

If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate where December is still grilling weather, make the most of it with this flavorful juicy steak. (For the rest of us, you can also cook tri-tip in the oven!).

Get the Tri-Tip Steak with Salsa Verde recipe.

Marinated Feta

Feta gets an extra boost from being marinated with lemon zest, red chili and herbs. Your guests will love snacking on this while you finish up the main dish.

Get the Marinated Feta recipe.

Marinated Beets

While you’re marinating the feta, you may as well also marinate some beets for a flavorful and colorful side dish. This might even be the prettiest thing on the Christmas table.

Get the Marinated Beets recipe.

Negroni

This classic cocktail will keep everyone in good spirits. Break open the Campari!

Get the Negroni recipe.

Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti

Serve these eye-catching cookies along with coffee for the perfect finale to Christmas dinner.

Get Cranberry-Pistachio Cornmeal Biscotti recipe.

Roasted Tomatoes

This impressive side dish comes together using just six ingredients, including things you already have on hand like olive oil, salt and pepper.

Get the Roasted Tomatoes recipe.

Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib

Serve this centerpiece with a simple garlic-horseradish cream sauce.

Get the Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib recipe.

Glazed Green Beans

Sweet-sour glazed green beans pair perfectly with a holiday ham.

Get the Glazed Green Beans recipe.

Easy Vegetarian Lasagna With Spinach and Broccoli

Loads of spinach, a healthy dose of broccoli, three cheeses, basil and your favorite sauce makes this vegetarian Christmas dinner every bit as good as the roast.

Get the Easy Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach and Broccoli recipe.

Eggnog

It’s just not Christmas without sweet, creamy eggnog.

Get the Eggnog recipe.

Beef Wellington

This dish looks seriously impressive, but it’s a lot easier to make than you’d think! To keep the puff pastry crisp on the outside, the beef inside gets wrapped in flavorful prosciutto spread with duxelles (a mixture of mushrooms, shallots and thyme).

Get the Beef Wellington recipe.

Creamy One-Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

It only takes one pot (and a healthy dose of butter and cream!) to prep this luxurious side dish.

Get Creamy One-Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.

Vegetable Torte

Squash, kale, potato and tomato star in this beautiful layered pie that takes 15 minutes to prep.

Get the Vegetable Torte recipe.

Lay the foundation for your gingerbread house with this peppermint-infused dough.

Get the Mint Chocolate Cookie Dough recipe.

Mary Pickford

This classic cocktail with white rum, pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur and grenadine is fruity but not too sweet.

Get the Mary Pickford recipe.

Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Pineapple and oranges lend juicy sweetness to contrast the salty ham, while our secret ingredient (ginger beer!) gives everything a spicy finish.

Get the Pineapple-Glazed Ham recipe.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

There should be spinach and artichoke dip at every holiday, sporting event or family gathering — it’s the law.

Get the Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe.

Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin With Horseradish Cream Sauce

Pink, green, and black peppercorns lend serious spice and pretty pops of color to make this the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas dinner table.

Get the Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Sauce recipe.

Vanilla-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Bring vanilla bean to the savory side and try it in this easy sweet potato recipe that really makes the flavor shine.

Get the Vanilla-Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.

Mashed Parsnips

Sneak an extra veggie into your Christmas side dish with this parsnip-potato combo.

Get the Mashed Parsnips recipe.

Apple Cider Sangria

This sparkling punch made with apple cider, brandy, and a splash of Prosecco makes a festive and fun way to toast the holiday.

Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe.

Snowy S ‘mores

Place graham squares on a baking sheet; top with chocolate and marshmallow snowmen (such as Peeps). Broil until golden, sprinkle with crushed candy canes and sandwich with another graham. Stack if desired.

Brie & Apple Tart

Use store-bought puff pastry to impress your guests with a secretly simple and super elegant appetizer.

Get the Brie & Apple Tart recipe.

One-Pot French Onion Soup

Slow-cooked, caramelized onions and fresh thyme give this classic soup its winning flavor. Topped with tons of grated cheese, you’ll want seconds (and thirds!).

Get the One-Pot French Onion Soup recipe.

Grilled Vegetable Lasagna With Ricotta-Tomato Sauce

Filled with eggplant, zucchini and red peppers, this is hearty enough for a vegetarian main.

Get the Grilled Vegetable Lasagna With Ricotta-Tomato Sauce recipe.

Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips make these chewy cookies a chocolate-lover’s dream.

Get the Flourless Chocolate-Walnut Cookies recipe.

Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish

Impress your guests with these fancy (and easy!) bites, made with fresh sweet crab and topped with a crunchy mango-avocado relish.

Get the Crab Cakes With Mango-Avocado Relish recipe.

Blood Orange Spritz

All Christmas dinner parties need a signature cocktail, and this bubbly, Aperol-based bev is the perfect elegant sipper.

Get the Blood Orange Spritz recipe.

Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta

These Instant Pot short ribs braised in red wine, tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce will be the star of Christmas dinner, no effort required.

Get the Short Ribs With Creamy Polenta recipe.

Pecan Cupcakes With Spiced Vanilla Frosting

Made with finely ground pecans, cinnamon and nutmeg, these taste like the holidays.

Get the Pecan Cupcakes With Spiced Vanilla Frosting recipe.

Coq au Vin Rosé

A twist on a classic stew of chicken, bacon and mushrooms this crowd-pleaser uses rosé instead of red wine for a lighter, zippier take.

Get the Coq au Vin Rosé recipe.

Vegan Chocolate Truffles

They usually contain heavy cream, but coconut milk works wonders as a substitute!

Get the Vegan Chocolate Truffles recipe.

Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew

Slow-cooked chicken and beans may look like a humble dish, but the rich flavors (thanks to sausage and bacon!) make for a delicious winter-ready stew.

Get the Chicken, Sausage and White Bean Stew recipe.

Spiked Hot Chocolate

Warm up on a chilly Christmas night with a boozy, chocolatey drink.

Get the Spiked Hot Chocolate recipe.

One-Pan Roast Turkey Breast and Root Veggies

The last thing you want to do on Christmas day is wash dishes. So prep and roast your main course on one pan for a delicious, no-mess dinner.

Get the One-Pan Roast Turkey Breast and Root Veggies recipe.

Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear and Onion

Spin your classic roasted veggies by throwing a fruit in the mix.

Get the Roasted Sweet Potato, Pear and Onion recipe.

Vegan Apple Cake

Here’s a dessert for everyone in your crew!

Get the Vegan Apple Cake recipe.

a doughnut sitting on top of a pan on a table

Everything Cheese Balls

Why serve one cheese ball when you can have three, each with a flavor-packed coating your guests will absolutely enjoy?

Get the Trio of Cheese Balls recipe.

Spice Roasted Carrots

Spice up this traditional holiday side with paprika and nutmeg.

Get the Spice Roasted Carrots recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin isn’t just for Thanksgiving! These spiced cupcakes are packed with flavor and make for the perfect addition to your Christmas dessert spread.

Get the Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.

Jammy Brie Cups

Create cute cups by pressing puff pastry into muffin tins with a dollop of jam and gooey Brie cheese.

Get the Jammy Brie Cups recipe.

Gingery Shrimp Toasts

This savory twist on a classic finger food will be a hit of your Christmas appetizers spread.

Get the Gingery Shrimp Toasts recipe.

Chocolate Gingerbread Cake With White Chocolate Buttercream

The perfect centerpiece for any holiday dinner, festive spices meet chocolate in this rich and moist cake.

Get the Chocolate Gingerbread Cake With White Chocolate Buttercream recipe.

Creamed Kale and Gruyère Gratin

Creamy greens gain a little extra sophistication with the addition of nutty gruyère.

Get the Creamed Kale and Gruyère Gratin recipe.

Cherry Bomb Fizz

This elegant cocktail takes only three ingredients but will look and taste truly impressive.

Get the Cherry Bomb Fizz recipe.

Jam Sandwich Cookies

Fill these classic Christmas cookies with the jam of your choice and then package them up in a festive paper envelope.

Get the Jam Sandwich Cookies recipe.

Cauliflower Soup

If you’re looking for a quick and cozy appetizer, start Christmas dinner with a veggie-loaded soup.

Get the Cauliflower Soup recipe.

Wild Mushroom Toasts

Red chile adds a hint of spice to this elegant and earthy party dish.

Get the Wild Mushroom Toasts recipe.

Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Swirl a jammy, homemade cranberry sauce into creamy cheesecake for a festive ending to Christmas dinner.

Get the Cranberry Swirl Cheesecake Bars recipe.

Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch

Festive bubbly meets a mojito for a super-simple drink fit for a crowd.

Get the Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch recipe.

Thyme-Roasted Turkey and Gravy

This timeless recipe is for so much more than Thanksgiving dinner. A golden brown bird with an easy gravy will be the showstopper this Christmas.

Get the Thyme-Roasted Turkey and Gravy recipe.

Goat Cheese Log With Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper

Start Christmas dinner off right with this festive cheesy appetizer.

Get the Goat Cheese Log With Cranberries, Chives and Black Pepper recipe.

Mini Apple Pies

Make mini apple pies for sharing or handing out as holiday gifts.

Get the Mini Apple Pies recipe.

Herb Crusted Beef With Dijon Cream Sauce

Fresh parsley and basil make this rib roast super special.

Get the Herb Crusted Beef With Dijon Cream Sauce recipe.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart

If you’re trying to cater to dietary restrictions this Christmas, this tart is a must. While it’s both gluten free and vegan (!) it lacks no flavor, making it everyone’s favorite sweet this season.

Get the Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart recipe.

Roasted Olives With Lemon, Garlic and Herbs

Even olive-haters will enjoy these flavor-packed bites.

Get the Roasted Olives With Lemon, Garlic and Herbs recipe.

Romaine Salad With Lemon Pecorino Vinaigrette

If you feel like you’ll need some green veggies on your Christmas dinner table, serve this elegant take on a Caesar salad, topped with fresh pecorino and chopped hazelnuts.

Get the Romaine Salad With Lemon Pecorino Vinaigrette recipe.